To further help colleagues in need during the coronavirus outbreak, GroceryAid has enhanced the services available through the 24/7 confidential helpline and website.
These include:
- Immediate access to counselling support: calls are now answered by BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) trained counsellors to provide ‘in the moment’ emotional support for colleagues who are anxious or stressed.
- Enhanced counselling services: for those who need a more in-depth approach to mental wellbeing, structured and solution focused counselling programmes are available. These comprise six one-to-one sessions over the telephone with the same counsellor. Face-to-face counselling will be available once government guidelines are lifted.
- Cognitive behavioural therapy: CBT helps people develop alternative ways of thinking and behaving to improve their mental health. The seven structured online sessions offer an anonymous, safe and secure space to learn and develop while being supported by a trained advisor.
- Woebot: Woebot (pictured) is an artificial intelligence counsellor which allows a user to access ‘in the moment’ emotional support 24/7 through a smartphone app. It allows a user to track their mood, identify patterns and give insight into issues or concerns that the user may not have realised were causing emotional distress.
- Telephone information specialist advice: a dedicated team of telephone information specialists is available Monday to Friday from 8am to 8pm. The team can provide the same information as Citizens Advice Bureau advisors on general and practical day-to-day issues.
- Management consultancy: support to managers on topics such as managing change; traumatic and critical incidents; and effective workplace performance.
GroceryAid anticipates a steep increase in both calls to its enhanced Helpline and applications for financial support as colleagues are impacted by Covid-19.
The charity’s Welfare Director Mandi Leonard commented: “More than ever before, GroceryAid’s support for colleagues throughout the grocery industry is vital to help them cope with the impact of Covid-19 on them and their families.”
Emotional and practical support is available to grocery colleagues past and present, their partners and dependants, regardless of the length of service within the industry.
The GroceryAid Helpline is available 24/7, 365 days a year. Call for free on 08088 021 122, visit groceryaid.org.uk or email welfare@groceryaid.org.uk.
